Ep 97: My Top 5 Mathematics Stories from 2008

Having worked in maths communication throughout 2008, I thought it about time to reflect on the 2008 year in maths, so here are the maths stories from 2008 that caught my eye. I'm sure I have left out many mathematical stories from the year, so please let me know of anything you think I should have included.

1) Solving Tough Modern Problems - Global Financial Crisis:

I was astonished to hear a finance graduate friend of mine reflect on her time studying finance at University:

"The lecturer put up an equation, the theatre moaned, but the lecturer said 'Don't worry, this is the only equation in the course and you don't even need to know it'."

I seriously hope that's not typical!



2) The end of a mathematical era

Edward Lorenz, American mathematician and meteorologist, died in his Cambridge Massachusetts home in April 2008 aged 90. Walter Warwick Sawyer was a mathematician and author who made a major contribution to mathematical education. He recently passed away in Canada, aged 97.

3) Solving Tough Old Problems - Road Colouring Problem: Sixty-three year-old Avraham Trakhtman has solved one of the current generation's toughest mathematical problems — the 38 year-old road colouring problem.

4) Prizes

One of the most important international prizes for mathematics was awarded jointly in 2008 to two outstanding mathematicians — even though one of them was originally unable to find a publisher for his groundbreaking work. Professor John Griggs Thompson, of Cambridge and Florida Universities, and Professor Jacques Tits, of the Collège de France, have been awarded the 2008 Abel Prize. 

5) Silly Maths

• If we are to believe the latest signs from outer space, the local aliens are keen mathematicians and work in decimal. 

• No matter how many friends you have on Facebook and MySpace, you won't have more real-life friends than the average person. 

Listen to his podcast here. And remember to tell us your science highlights from 2008 to go into the running for some sciencey prizes. Answers will also contribute to our year-in-review podcast coming out in a few weeks. Let us know here before the competition closes.

For more of The Mr Science Show, visit the blog and subscribe to the podcast. We take an offbeat look at the science around us and always have a good time.